The hair crimper, a beloved styling tool from the ’80s and ’90s, has made a remarkable comeback, but with a modern, sophisticated twist. No longer just for creating tight, zig-zag waves, today’s hair crimpers are versatile tools used to add volume, texture, and a unique, defined wave pattern that’s both chic and effortless. 

What is a Hair Crimper?

A hair crimper is a heated styling tool that features two ridged, or “crimped,” plates. When you clamp a section of hair between these plates, the heat and pressure create a series of uniform, zig-zag-shaped waves. Unlike a curling iron that creates rounded curls or a flat iron that makes hair straight, a crimper produces a distinct, textural pattern.

The modern crimper often has wider plates or a three-barrel design, which creates softer, more relaxed waves. These tools are perfect for adding instant volume to fine hair, creating a textured base for updos and braids, or simply giving your hair a unique, fashionable look. The evolution of the hair crimper from a nostalgic relic to a modern must-have is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility.

The Comeback: From Retro to Runway

Hair crimping has been a cyclical trend, with its peak in the late 20th century. However, as of 2025, the style has been reinvented to be more subtle and wearable. The tight, all-over crimps of the past have been replaced by a more nuanced approach. Today’s trends include:

Mermaid Waves: This style, often created with a wider, three-barrel crimper or waver tool, produces soft, S-shaped waves that are perfect for a relaxed, beachy look. It’s a popular choice for long hair.

Volumizing Crimps: Instead of crimping the entire head, stylists are using micro-crimpers to add texture and lift at the roots, particularly on the underlayers. This creates a natural-looking volume that lasts all day without the need for excessive teasing.

Crimped Accents: A subtle and playful approach involves crimping only a few sections of hair, such as a few strands around the face, at the ends, or in a ponytail. This adds a touch of texture without overwhelming the entire hairstyle.

The Crimped Updo: Crimping your hair before creating an updo, such as a ponytail or a braid, adds grip and texture, making the style look fuller and more voluminous. It helps braids look thicker and updos stay in place longer.

How to Choose the Right Hair Crimper

Selecting the best hair crimper depends on your hair type, length, and the style you want to achieve. Here are the key factors to consider:

Plate Size and Shape:

Micro Crimpers: These have small, closely-set ridges and are ideal for adding texture to roots for volume or for creating a very defined, classic crimp. They’re also great for short hair.

Standard Crimpers: With wider ridges, these tools create a looser, more modern wave.

Three-Barrel Wavers: These tools, often confused with crimpers, are designed to create consistent, S-shaped “mermaid waves.” While technically different, they achieve a similar textured effect and are a staple in modern crimping trends.

Plate Material:

Ceramic: A popular choice for its even heat distribution, which helps reduce damage and frizz. It’s suitable for most hair types, especially fine or normal hair.

Tourmaline: This material uses ionic technology to release negative ions, which helps smooth the hair cuticle, lock in moisture, and provide a shiny finish.

Titanium: Known for its rapid heat-up time and high, consistent temperature. This is the best option for those with very thick, coarse, or hard-to-style hair.

Adjustable Heat Settings: This is a crucial feature for minimizing heat damage. Choose a crimper that allows you to adjust the temperature. A general rule of thumb is to use a lower setting for fine or damaged hair and a higher setting for thick or coarse hair.

Safety Features: Look for a tool with an automatic shut-off feature and a cool tip to prevent burns.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Crimp Your Hair 

Achieving the perfect crimped look is all about preparation and technique. Follow these steps for a flawless finish:

Prep Your Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. For best results, it’s recommended to start with relatively straight hair. If you have curly or wavy hair, you may want to run a flat iron through it first to create a smooth surface for the crimper to work on. Apply a high-quality heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage.

Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. The smaller the sections, the tighter and more defined the crimps will be. Use clips to hold the hair you aren’t working with out of the way.

Start Crimping: Working with one small section at a time, clamp the crimper down on your hair a few inches from the root. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

Work Your Way Down: Release the crimper and move it down the length of the same hair section, clamping it down where the previous crimp left off. This ensures a continuous, uniform wave pattern. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the section.

Repeat and Style: Continue this process on all sections of your hair. For a more modern, casual look, you can vary the placement of the crimper slightly or even skip some sections. Once all sections are crimped, allow the hair to cool completely.

Finishing Touches: Gently run your fingers through the crimps to loosen them and create a more natural, voluminous look. Avoid brushing, as this can cause frizz. Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray or a texturizing spray to set the style and add extra volume.

Practical Tips and Pro Hacks

For Maximum Volume: Focus on crimping the roots and the underlayers of your hair. This creates a hidden texture that lifts the top layers, giving you incredible volume without an obvious crimped look.

Quick Styling: Crimping is a quick way to add texture. Since the waves are uniform, you can get a full-head style done in less time than it would take with a curling iron.

Extend Your Hairstyle: Crimped hair holds its shape exceptionally well. Use a crimper on the sections you plan to braid or put in an updo to give them a textured foundation that will last longer.

Protect Your Hair: Always, without exception, use a heat protectant. The high temperatures of a crimper can cause significant damage if you don’t use the proper safeguards. Look for products that protect against temperatures up to 450°F.

Don’t Overdo It: While crimped hair is fun, excessive use of heat tools can lead to damage. Use your crimper in moderation and remember to give your hair a break and some deep conditioning treatments.

FAQs

What is the difference between a hair crimper and a hair waver?

A hair crimper typically has a two-plate design with zig-zag ridges that create a sharp, defined, textured pattern. A hair waver, on the other hand, usually has a three-barrel design that creates a softer, more rounded, and continuous S-shaped “mermaid” wave. While they both add texture, a crimper produces a more angular look, while a waver creates a more flowing, natural-looking wave.

Is a hair crimper bad for your hair?

Like any heat styling tool, a hair crimper can cause damage if used improperly. The key is to use it in moderation and at the correct temperature for your hair type. Always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand, avoid clamping the same section for too long, and don’t crimp your hair every day.

How long do crimped waves last?

Crimped hair is known for its longevity. On average, a crimped hairstyle can last for one to two days, and sometimes even longer, especially on naturally wavy or curly hair. The hold can be enhanced by using a texture spray or light-hold hairspray after styling.

Can I use a crimper on short hair?

Yes, you can. For short hair, a mini or micro-crimper is often the best choice as the smaller plates can easily get close to the roots and handle shorter sections. Crimping short hair is an excellent way to add volume and a unique texture that’s difficult to achieve with other tools.

Can I get crimped hair without a crimper?

Yes, there are heatless methods to achieve a similar effect. A popular method is to braid your hair into small, tight braids (the smaller the braid, the tighter the crimp) on damp hair and let them dry overnight. You can also run a flat iron over the braids to set the waves, but this still involves heat.

Final Thoughts 

The hair crimper has successfully shed its retro image and emerged as a versatile, fashionable tool for modern hair styling. Its ability to add volume, texture, and a unique, defined wave pattern makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to experiment with their look. By choosing the right tool for your hair, following the proper techniques, and embracing the latest styling trends, you can master the art of crimping and create head-turning hairstyles that are both chic and effortless.

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